Educational information only. PSA is a test that should be requested and interpreted by a qualified clinician. It is not a stand-alone test for cancer, and the decision to test is an individual one made with your doctor. Testing is performed in NATA-accredited laboratories to ISO 15189 standards.
What is PSA?
PSA, or prostate-specific antigen, is a protein produced by the prostate gland and measured in the blood. It is specific to the prostate, but importantly it is not specific to any single prostate condition, which is central to understanding what it can and cannot tell you.
Why it is used carefully
PSA can be raised for many reasons that have nothing to do with cancer, including benign enlargement of the prostate, inflammation or infection, recent ejaculation, and even cycling. Because of this, PSA is not a simple yes-or-no test, and screening decisions involve weighing potential benefits against the risk of unnecessary worry and further procedures. In Australia, this is a nuanced, individual decision guided by your doctor.
What your results can mean
Raised
A raised PSA warrants discussion with a clinician, but does not by itself mean cancer. It is interpreted alongside your age, symptoms, prostate examination and sometimes repeat testing or further assessment.
Within the expected range
A PSA in the expected range is reassuring in context, though no single result rules everything in or out, which is why it is considered as part of a broader clinical picture.
Reference ranges in Australia
PSA is reported in micrograms per litre (µg/L), and the expected range rises with age. Because interpretation is nuanced, your result should always be discussed with your doctor rather than read against a number alone.
A note on PSA testing
PSA is not recommended as a routine test for everyone, and whether it is right for you depends on your age, family history and personal preferences. At Precursor, tumour markers are used only under clinician direction in appropriate circumstances. If you are considering PSA testing, the best step is a conversation with your GP or a Precursor clinician about whether it makes sense for you.
